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by Linda Prieto
Despite being in one of the country’s wealthiest and most prosperous regions, many of our neighbors are stuck working low-wage jobs because they can’t access the education and resources they need to move up in the U.S. Upward Scholars works to change that.
With our community’s support, we help adult immigrants overcome obstacles as they navigate their chosen pathways to English proficiency, college success, career development, and better jobs. Every year, our wraparound support — aided by dedicated volunteers and community members — impacts the lives of hundreds of students and their families.
Darlyn is one such student. Despite graduating at the top of her class for early childhood education (ECE) in Guatemala, Darlyn’s wages as a preschool teacher couldn’t even cover her minimal expenses for food, transportation, and classroom supplies. Making a living doing what she loved was impossible, so at 20, she left Guatemala seeking better opportunities in the U.S.
Though determined, Darlyn faced challenges that sidelined her studies on multiple occasions — she couldn’t drive, had her eldest son, and financially supported her family in Guatemala. After years of pausing her education, Darlyn finally enrolled in and completed English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Sequoia Adult School. She then transferred to Cañada College, continuing her English studies and joining Upward Scholars.
Darlyn needed financial and academic support, so Upward Scholars paid for her textbooks and matched her with a tutor who helped her improve her English and ace her courses. Darlyn also receives monthly food assistance to help offset the costs of groceries for her family, increasing their food security and her chances of staying and doing well in school. She says, “Upward Scholars changed my life. If I hadn’t found them, I probably would have stopped my studies because everything is very expensive.”
In 2023, Darlyn received her English proficiency certificate from Cañada College, a milestone accomplishment for ESL students. Her sons, now 8 and 10 years old, attended her graduation and beamed with pride over her accomplishment. Darlyn’s journey has had a significant impact on them, too. Her oldest son said, “Mami, I want to be like you one day. I want to graduate, too.”
When she started ECE courses at Cañada, Darlyn joined TeacherUp, an academic and career development program by Upward Scholars that provides specialized support for aspiring early educators. With TeacherUp’s guidance, Darlyn feels confident she is on the right track to becoming a preschool teacher here.
This fall, while she works toward her associate degree in early childhood education, Darlyn started a TeacherUp internship at Family Connections. This is a pivotal moment in her journey to becoming a licensed teacher in the U.S. and signals she is close to having her own classroom one day. Even though it has taken over a decade, Darlyn didn’t give up on her dream, and Upward Scholars never gave up on her.
Students in our local community urgently need your help. Usually, they need a laptop, food assistance, or other financial support. Other times, they need academic or career advice. And sometimes, all a student needs is to feel seen, heard, and supported by someone like you.
Upward Scholars is unique in embracing the needs of adult immigrant scholars and providing what is necessary to bolster students’ path to success. We are honored to be one of this year’s beneficiaries of The Almanac Holiday Fund. Donations can be made online at almanacnews.com/holiday_fund.
Learn more about us at www.upwardscholars.org. You can tutor or help a student like Darlyn practice their English skills, lend your specialized skills to our team, or contribute funds to support our vital work. For information about donating time, talent, or treasure directly to Upward Scholars, contact Angie Briones, Development Director, at angie.briones@upwardscholars.org.
Linda Prieto is executive director of Upward Scholars.
